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‘TIS THE SEASON FOR STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN OPENS NEXT ICONIC VACATION – Royal Caribbean Press Center

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

The Latest in the Lineup of the Worlds Best Vacations Debuts August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida

MIAMI, Dec. 5, 2023 Its opening day for the next bold combination of every vacation. Royal Caribbean International revealed the first look at the latest in the best-selling Icon Class, Star of the Seas, and the vacations in store for every type of family and adventurer. Starting August 2025, vacationers can get away in a new way from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, with 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise lines top-rated private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas. Stars debut lineup is now open on Royal Caribbeans website, and Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members have special access to book today in advance of the official opening on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Adventurers can island hop in style on the next iconic vacation while in the eastern or western Caribbean destinations and The Bahamas. The newly opened vacations feature idyllic locales like Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis; Cozumel, Mexico; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Roatan, Honduras; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Plus, on every getaway, vacationers can look forward to kicking back or going all out at Perfect Day at CocoCay. The cruise lines one-of-a-kind private island destination features everything from 13 waterslides to the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean and The Bahamas, and the islands first adults-only oasis, Hideaway Beach (opening January 2024), with a private beach, pools and spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

On the heels of welcoming Icon of the Seas to the family two months before its January 2024 debut, Royal Caribbean is following up the historic response to the first in the Icon Class lineup by introducing the revolutionary combination of experiences to Port Canaveral (Orlando) for the first time. Star will feature the best of every vacation, from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in themselves, including Thrill Island, Chill Island, AquaDome, the tranquil oasis by day and vibrant hot spot at night; and the open-air Central Park. Between more than40 ways to dine and drink,cutting-edge entertainmentacross the cruise lines four signature stages air, ice, water and theater and a lineup of activities for adults, kids, teens and the whole family, everyone can make memories their way every day without compromise.

The Icon Class highlights coming to Star include the adrenaline-pumping thrills like Category 6 waterparks six record-breaking waterslides and Crown's Edge part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride as well as the unrivaled ways to chill across seven pools for every vibe and mood, including swim-up bar Swim & Tonic; Cloud 17, the adults-only retreat; and The Hideaways one-of-a-kind infinity pool suspended 135 feet above the ocean. And while families can spend time together and on their own adventures throughout Star, they can stay and play all day at Surfside. The neighborhood designed for young families features ways to splash for all ages, dedicated restaurants and even a bar The Lemon Post with a menu for the grownups and one for the kids. New experiences will also make their way to the latest in the worlds best family vacation lineup, which will be revealed at a later date.

With Star making its debut in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Royal Caribbean is doubling down on the revolutionary combination of every vacation that was first introduced on Icon and which continues to create unprecedented consumer demand. The two worlds best vacations in two of the worlds top travel destinations, Icon in Miami and Star in the greater Orlando area, will introduce an unparalleled lineup that mark the next bold moment in the new era of vacations and for Royal Caribbean.

Vacationers can explore all that has been revealed about Star to date on Royal Caribbeans website here.

About Royal Caribbean InternationalRoyal Caribbean International, owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for todays adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbeans private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted Best Cruise Line Overall for 20 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on X and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

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December 2023 Debuting August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Royal Caribbean Internationals Star of the Seas is the next bold combination of every vacation from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. Stars all-encompassing Icon Class lineup has experiences in store for every type of family and adventurer to make memories their way every day, without compromise.

December 2023 Debuting August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Royal Caribbean Internationals Star of the Seas is the next bold combination of every vacation from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. Stars all-encompassing Icon Class lineup has experiences in store for every type of family and adventurer on 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and the cruise lines top-rated private island Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas.

October 2023 The next revolutionary combination of the best of every vacation is on the horizon. Royal Caribbean International will follow up the introduction of Icon of the Seas with the next Icon Class ship, Star of the Seas, in the summer of 2025.

December 2023 Royal Caribbean Internationals Icon and Star of the Seas, setting sail January 2024 and August 2025 respectively, mark a new era of vacations, with an unparalleled combination of the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, each vacations all-encompassing lineup has experiences for every type of family and adventurer to make memories without compromise.

December 2023 On Icon and Star of the Seas, adventurers are in for the ultimate thrill at the largest waterpark at sea, Category 6, in the new Thrill Island neighborhood. The six record-breaking slides reach new heights: Pressure Drop, the industry's first open free-fall slide; Frightening Bolt, the tallest drop slide at sea; Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter, the first family raft slides with four riders per raft; and Storm Chasers, cruising's first mat-racing duo.

December 2023 Living life on the edge takes on a new meaning with Crown's Edge in the new Thrill Island on Icon and Star of the Seas. Part skywalk, part ropes course and part thrill ride, the adrenaline-pumping experience culminates in a surprising moment that will see vacationers swing 154 feet above the ocean.

December 2023 Chill Island's Swim & Tonic on Royal Caribbean's Icon and Star of the Seas is the vibrant swim-up bar where vacationers can have a sip and vibe to the DJ as they take a dip or kick back at the in-water loungers and tables.

December 2023 In the new Chill Island on Icon and Star of the Seas, there's a pool for every mood and each with prime ocean views. Of the seven pools, the four in this three-deck slice of paradise include Royal Caribbean's first swim-up bar at sea, Swim & Tonic; Royal Bay Pool, the largest pool at sea; and the adults-only retreat, Cloud 17.

December 2023 Vacationers looking for laidback vibes can head to Chill Island's serene, infinity-edge Cove Pool on Icon and Star of the Seas. With in-water loungers and more ways to chill, it's all about the endless blue skies and ocean views and making memories.

December 2023 Cloud 17 in the Chill Island neighborhood on Icon and Star of the Seas is an adults-only retreat, complete with endless ocean views and a dedicated bar, the signature Lime & Coconut.

December 2023 Tucked away on Icon and Star of the Seas, The Hideaway neighborhood combines the good vibes of beach club scenes around the world and uninterrupted ocean views. At the center of it all is the first suspended infinity pool at sea, surrounded by a multilevel terrace, whirlpools, a dedicated bar and a DJ.

December 2023 Perched at the top of Icon and Star of the Seas is the new AquaDome, a tranquil oasis by day and a vibrant hot spot by night. The transformational neighborhood is where guests can enjoy wraparound ocean views, a 55-foot-tall water curtain, restaurants, bars and the cruise line's marquee aqua shows at the next-level AquaTheater.

December 2023 In the reimagined Royal Promenade neighborhood on Icon and Star of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's largest and boldest ice arena, Absolute Zero. Every seat is the best seat in the house to watch cutting-edge technology and Olympic-level ice skaters merge to bring showstopping entertainment to life.

December 2023 The lineup of Sunset Suites on Icon and Star of the Seas is a new take on broadening horizons. Vacationers can enjoy every day's hues from inside or out while on their bed that faces the ocean and from their expansive balcony, including a wraparound balcony in the Sunset Corner Suite.

December 2023 In the Infinite Grand Suites on Icon andStar of the Seas,vacationers can unwind at their home away from home with stunning views from a living area that transforms into an extended open-air escape at the push of a button.

December 2023 The Panoramic Ocean View suites and rooms on Icon and Star of the Seas are among the best seats in the house. Vacationers can unwind at their home away from home with stunning perspectives of the sea, sky and destinations, thanks to wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows.

December 2023 The Family Infinite Balconies on Icon and Star of the Seas welcomes families of up to six to make memories together and find me time all the same. The spacious room features a separate bunk alcove for kids, a split bathroom design and an infinite balcony a living space that transforms into an extended open-air escape at the push of a button.

December 2023 Vacationers can leave compromise at the door in the Surfside Family Suites on Icon and Star of the Seas. Nestled in the Surfside family neighborhood, the rooms welcome a family of up to four guests. There's a cozy kids alcove, which transforms into a living space for all, along with a private balcony and Royal Suite Class perks.

December 2023 The Family Infinite Balconies on Icon and Star of the Seas invite families of up to six to make memories together and find me time all the same. The spacious room features a separate bunk alcove for kids, decked out with TVs, beds and space to hang out, a split bathroom design and an infinite balcony that turns into an open-air scape at the push of a button.

December 2023 Icon and Star of the Seas will feature the new Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families features an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, two balconies, a private entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside, and more.

December 2023 Icon and Star of the Seas will debut the first Ultimate Family Townhouse. Spanning three levels, the perfect home away from home for families includes an in-suite slide, a cinema space, karaoke, a spacious balcony, a private patio and entrance to the ultimate family neighborhood, Surfside.

December 2023 The two-level Royal Loft Suite on board Icon and Star of the Seas is the ultimate in luxury. With more than 2,000 square feet, up to six vacationers can make kick back with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area, a wraparound balcony with a whirlpool, a dining area and expansive ocean views.

'TIS THE SEASON FOR STAR OF THE SEAS: ROYAL CARIBBEAN OPENS NEXT ICONIC VACATION - Royal Caribbean Press Center

25 Most Beautiful Places in the Caribbean From Emerald-colored Sinkholes to Private Islands – Travel + Leisure

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Lush paradise, turquoise waters,idyllic getaway these are all phrases often used to describe the Caribbean. And though this collection of countries in the middle of the ocean contains a shared allure of natural wonders, each one also has its own history and cultural traditions.

Ive been fortunate to visit a number of Caribbean nations, bordered by white, black, and pink sands below swaying palms, and it never grows old. The vendors with freshly plucked coconuts and plastic cups filled with dark rum to enjoy as the sun sinks into sherbet-colored clouds. A plate of jerk chicken pulled from a charcoal-fired pit on the side of the road and splashed with mango chutney to cool the scotch bonnet. A parade of smiles and feathers and palatable joy as revelers make their way down the road for Carnival Tuesday. These are all moments that make the Caribbean beautiful.

Below, youll find a list of places that expand on that idea, from sustainable, jungle-shrouded hotels without any crowds to flavorful, farm-to-table experiences tucked on quiet hillsides. We tapped two Caribbean experts writer, editor and on-air travel expert Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon and author and chef Adrian Forte to help us compile a list of 25 of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.

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Located on the southern end of Elbow Cay in the Bahamas, and only accessible by foot, boat, or bike, Tahiti Beach stays with you long after you've left it. As many times as Ive been to the Caribbean and to the Bahamas, youd think Id be immune to the beauty of this sandbar, which disappears at high tide. But its silky white sand, surrounded by a swath of iconic Bahamian blue, stuns me every single time, says Greaves-Gabbadon. Alaska Airlines also recently launched a number of nonstop flights from my hometown of Los Angeles to Nassau, so Ill be heading back to the country for Carnival next year.

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Untouched by cruise ships and crowds, Canouan is a 3.2-square-mile island in the Grenadines, just a 40-minute plane ride from Barbados. It's home to the jungly Soho Beach House and the coral-hued beachfront Mandarin Oriental. Snorkeling here is also supreme, with water so vibrantly blue, it glows.

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With 135 acres of private coastline floating in the Grenadines, Petit St. Vincent is a luxury resort with just 22 cottages steps away from cerulean waters. Posh but unpretentious, this all-inclusive private island resort is a bit of a haul to reach (from Miami, it takes two planes, a golf cart, and a boat), but the journey is worth it, says Greaves-Gabbadon. When Im not reading on the porch of my cottage (all serviced by butlers in a fleet of Mini Mokes), I like to hike up Marni Hill, laze on any (or all) of the four beaches, or sip a rum punch at the beach bar, Goatie's.

Jeremy Francis

I can close my eyes and see the roads from Kingston bumpy and winding but worth the three-hour drive to reach this slice of solitude on Jamaicas south coast. You won't find high-rise hotels or crowds here. Upon arrival, its a straightaway to my home away from home at Jakes, a boutique hotel with seaside bungalows and villas spread about Treasure Beachs rugged coastline. Spend a day at Jakes' poolside bar, order a rum punch, and repeat. In the morning, have a filling breakfast of ackee and salt fish with fried plantain at the propertys restaurant. And, if you love to read like I do, come for the biannual Calabash International Literary Festival, a weekend that includes communing with some of the worlds greatest literary minds as they read from their work with lapping waves in the background.

Courtesy of Sheer Rocks

Located on a cliffside on Antiguas west coast, this is dining with a view taken up a notch. It doesnt get much sexier than this waterfront restaurant at Cocobay Resort, where you can dine in cabanas built into the cliffs edge and swim in ocean-view plunge pools between courses, says Greaves-Gabbadon.

This plant-based, farm-to-table experience is offered in the hills ofSt. Ann, near Ocho Rios. Here, the flavors of Jamaica are presented as a love letter to the surrounding terrain that produces the food. Owners Chris and Lisa Binns seek to connect visitors to the earth at every turn, with a farm tour and rustic dinner of rotating dishes that have included a Jamaican mezze board of crispy plantain chips, coconut-crusted yams, and pineapple croquettes.

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Grace Bay in Providenciales sees its fair share of visitors and for good reason: The white-sand beach rivals those seen in the Maldives.

But go beyond Provo and youll reach Middle Caicos, the largest of the islands in Turks and Caicos, with a wild beauty of its own. Few visitors ever venture far enough to see this wild and wonderful beach, secreted at the southern tip of Middle Caicos, so I feel fortunate to have been introduced to it by a resident, says Greaves-Gabbadon. Walk through the stand of casuarina trees shielding the beach from the road and youll be rewarded with quite a sight: two miles of completely deserted, blinding-white sand that meets gin-clear water, knee-deep for almost a mile out. If beach was a religion, this would be its cathedral.

Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images

Known for its world-class rums, Martinique has a slew of impressive beaches, too, from Le Diamant to Les Anses-d'Arlet. For a trip away from the islands sandy shores, head to Jardin de Balata and learn why Martinique is called the Island of Flowers. At this thriving, three-hectare botanical garden just outside the capital of Fort-de-France, more than 3,000 varieties of flora and fauna bloom brightly. Take a canopy ride for panoramic views. And for cultural events, there's Martiniques three-day Carnival in February, where Ive recently learned the crowd is entirely part of the parade in what's called a vid.

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On an island known for its exclusivity and luxury, visitors can opt for an adventure that only requires a good pair of walking shoes and a bathing suit. After a 30-minute walk along a winding path, youll reach two natural pools enclosed by craggy rocks jutting from the sea. If the waves are strong, it's best to watch from a distance, but on a clear day, floating in the emerald-colored water is simply magical.

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One of the most sought-after locations in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, the crystal-clear waters of the Blue Hole are surrounded by vegetation and a hilly interior. This is a series of natural limestone sinkholes and lush untouched forestry. I visited with my fianc and a few of our closest friends. The view from the top of the tropical falls is stunning, and if youre the adventurous type like me, jumping off a 30-foot cliff makes you feel like you can conquer anything afterward, says Forte.

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Nicknamed the Nature Island, Dominica is home to rain forests, bubbling rivers, ocean kayaking trails, and rushing waterfalls. A few of the islands most beautiful natural wonders include Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Champagne Reef, and the Botanic Gardens. For an eco-friendly retreat, check into Coulibri Ridge, a 14-suite, off-the-grid luxury hotel that uses solar energy as its main power source and features an open-air yoga pavilion. For a black-sand beach escape, my favorite pick is Secret Bay, set on a secluded cliff with residential-style villas that have their own plunge pools. In February, the streets become filled with revelers for Dominicas Mas Domnik Carnival celebration, which includes music competitions, a variety of parties, and masqueraders dressed in bright regalia.

Courtesy of Nayara Bocas del Toro Treehouses

With 16 overwater villas, this adults-only eco-resort on a private island along the Caribbean coast does not disappoint. Flanked by three miles of coral reefs teeming with sea life, snorkelers will have lots to explore at Nayara Bocas del Toro. Kayak, paddleboard, and swim directly from your room, but not before enjoying Caribbean breakfast classics like johnnycakes. Some villas here include glass floor panels for viewing underwater life, while two one-bedroom bamboo tree houses tower some 40 feet above the ground. The property also boasts the worlds first overwater beach, suspended on stilts and stretching 90 feet long by 20 feet wide.

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Youve likely seen images of Trinidads Carnival one of the greatest and most beautiful traditions in the Caribbean but you may not know its origin, which is rooted in rebellion and celebration against all odds by enslaved West Africans. Today, Trinidads capital, Port of Spain, draws travelers from around the Caribbean, Europe, and even Japan to party into the early morning rum in hand. My favorite moment of it all is Jouvert a call to meet the rising sun, bodies splashed in powder and paint and Caesars Armys A.M. Bush a wild party that takes place in an open field. A word to the wise: Get tickets early, as Caesars Army events are always the most popular during Carnival. In 2024, the energy is sure to be as magnetic as ever.

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Easily one of the most picturesque beaches in the Caribbean, Pigeon Point contains all the elements of a postcard-perfect day: sugary white sand, strikingly turquoise water, and palm trees swaying slowly above it all. Located on the southwestern tip of Tobago, its a popular place for sunbathing and water sports, without much foot traffic or noise.

Courtesy of Oil Nut Bay

Tucked in the North Sound area of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, Oil Nut Bay is 400 acres of luxurious relaxation. Visitors here will find a beach club with three pools and a swim-up bar; Nova, an overwater restaurant; and hiking trails with views overlooking the Caribbean. One of the villas, Compass Rose, spans 3,653 square feet and features two swimming pools. Another way to see the British Virgin Islands? The Moorings offers chartered catamarans and yachts to various destinations around the region, including Virgin Gorda, the less-frequented coral island of Anegada, and Saba Rock.

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Nicknamed the Caribbeans Spice Isle because of its abundance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and more, Grenada lures visitors with fewer crowds than neighboring islands, beautiful Grand Anse Beach, the history of Jab Jab during Carnival season (when bodies are splashed in black oil and paint as a symbol of Black pride), and an addictive plate of crabback at BBs. To take in the island's beauty, drive up to Fort Frederick for a panoramic view. Want to learn more about the island? My favorite guide, Roger Augustine, provides the best tours on the island. When its time to find a hotel, my first choice is always the Black-owned Spice Island Beach Resort. Six Senses La Sagesse will also open in early 2024, stretching across 38 acres in the bucolic parish of St. David.

Courtesy of Jade Mountain

Set between two beaches on St. Lucias southwestern coast, Jade Mountain offers views that seamlessly blend into its cliffside location above the Piton Mountains, plus rooms with 15-foot ceilings, infinity pools, and 24-hour butler service. Even from a distance while approaching by boat, its easily one of the most striking hotels in the Caribbean. Looking for a honeymoon location? This is it. It will be hard to leave your room, but if you do, the village of Soufrire, filled with great restaurants like Orlandos and the islands famous Sulphur Springs, is not far.

Courtesy of Yemaya Reefs

Past rows of mangroves and jungle, Yemaya Reefs on Little Corn Island reveals itself some 50 miles off Nicaraguas eastern coast. Step onto the sand and head to one of 16 individual casitas, some with plunge pools. Everything here is intimate, from the service to the communal yoga pavilion and thatched-roof restaurant. The food at Yemaya Reefs is particularly impressive, with dishes that celebrate Afro-Nicaraguan influences like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and rondn, a filling coconut-based stew with root vegetables and seafood like fish and crab. To get to Yemaya, youll need to take a 90-minute flight from the capital city of Managua, then a 30-minute boat ride from Big Corn Island all of which can be coordinated with the hotel.

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A tropical nature reserve located just off the coast of St. Martin, Pinel Island checks off all the boxes for a memorable beach day: soft white sand, beachfront restaurants, and a number of water activities. The best way to spend the day here? Grab a table or beach lounger at Karibuni and choose from dishes like octopus ceviche or a platter of conch boudin and cod fish fritters. The ocean views are worth admission alone.

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When I first visited Flamenco Beach on the island of Culebra, I stood still for a few moments, knowing the short plane ride I feared was well worth this remote slice of beach in front of me. The horse-shaped bay with shallow turquoise waters can be reached via a 15-minute flight or a 1.5-hour ferry. Upon arriving, there are a number of food stalls to enjoy as well.

Courtesy of Ambergris Cay

This 1,100-acre private island is a place to get away from it all, with 17 bungalows, eight villas, and a collection of privately owned homes and luxury accommodations. You'll share the place with sunbathing iguanas and, if youre lucky, a few whales in the distance. My favorite rooms are the beachfront suites with private plunge pools and an unobstructed view between the front door and the ocean.

If youre looking for the perfect Caribbean afternoon, this is your place. It includes all the necessary elements: good rum and wine; a pristine, uncrowded beach; and, of course, easy vibes. La Cabane on Barbados west coast provides a St. Tropez-style beach club experience without any unnecessary frills. Walk barefoot and order a lobster. While you wait, take a dip in Batts Rock Beach just steps away, and dont leave without a rum punch.Another favorite? Cutters. Ive frequented Barbados for the last five years consecutively to attend the Food and Rum Festival. I can say, without a doubt, the best experience Ive had on the island is at Cutters. They make the best rum punch in the world, using the best ingredients, including freshly pressed sugar cane for their simple syrup says Forte.

Courtesy of Guana Island

Total seclusion is king at this private island in the British Virgin Islands. There are private-island resorts and then theres Guana Island, a private-island resort thats so exclusive, non-guests cant even swing by for a drink or dinner. The result? A luxe, low-key getaway thats reliably tranquil, and whose seven beaches youll share with a maximum of 31 other (lucky) guests, says Greaves-Gabbadon.

Courtesy of Emara Estate

For a gorgeous group getaway located on eight acres, check into Emara Estate in Providenciales. This 17-bedroom villa is tucked away on its own private peninsula, nestled between tropical trees. Its one of the most beautiful private villas Ive been to and it was also formerly owned by legendary musician Prince Rogers Nelson, says Forte.

Andreas Voelkel/Getty Images

Sprouting from the Caribbean Sea like a scene from Jurassic Park, these two volcanic plugs on St. Lucias southwestern coast leave me in awe every time I see them. While winding the hillsides of the country, the mountains peak out at various turns, but my favorite spot to view them is by boat or from the sand at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. Afterward, head to the town of Soufrire and have lunch at Fedos. (Tip: Dont skip the fresh juice of the day.)

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25 Most Beautiful Places in the Caribbean From Emerald-colored Sinkholes to Private Islands - Travel + Leisure

Climate Justice at COP28: Perspectives of Caribbean Feminist Activists – Ms. Magazine

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

A cohort of Caribbean feminist groups are making sure that womens role in climate action doesnt go unacknowledged. Kerryne JamesGrenadas minister for climate resilience, the environment and renewable energyspeaks during a COP28 session on Dec. 5, 2023. (Dominika Zarzycka / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Right now, political leaders, corporate representatives and climate activists are gathered in Dubai for the annual United Nations Climate Change ConferenceCOP28to discuss approaches to mitigating the climate crisis. Gender equality has been identified as a thematic priority within the COP28 agenda, and gender practitioners and activists alike are waiting expectantly to learn about how women and other marginalized groups will factor into decisions around just transition, climate finance, and loss and damage negotiations.

Calls for climate justice to underpin all COP decisions are especially loud among feminist activists, as they seek to build on insights that emerged during Women Deliver 2023.

We caught up with feminist climate activists in the Caribbean on what climate justice means to them and what their expectations are of COP28.

In the Caribbean, women and girls are the face of climate action, and are at the forefront of transformative climate solutions. They have played a critical role in raising awareness about climate change, lobbying for more ambitious strategies by regional governments, and supporting coalitions that influenced changes in global policies.

Despite this, women remain underrepresented in environmental decision-making, underfunded in climate action initiatives, and are often portrayed as passive victims of climate change rather than holders of solutions.

But a cohort of Caribbean feminist groups are making sure that womens role in climate action doesnt go unacknowledged. They are working on a feminist approach to climate justice that aims to address the root causes of inequality; transform power relations; and promote the rights of women, girls and all historically marginalized people.

Yet, even among feminists, climate justice doesnt mean only one thingit can take on different meanings and interpretations based on the unique historical and socio-political experiences of their community.

For Marisa Hutchinson, a Black Caribbean feminist from Barbados who works with women in the Global South, climate justice means that we are not only given a seat at the table to contribute to decision-making processes at all levels, but that our role in the fight against climate change be acknowledged and women and others marginalized by the crisis be seen as knowledge holders in their own rights.

This year, Im seeing clearly my personal connection to COP, said Christine Samwaroo, an intersectional feminist based in Guyana who works at the intersection of environmental justice and gender justice.

Samwaroo had planned to attend COP28 this year, but was unable to go due to an emergency. She acknowledged how structural barrierssuch as visa requirements and travel costsmake it difficult for feminist activists to attend COP, especially those from the Global South.

Feminist actors are calling for COP to center the priorities and needs of communities most impacted by climate change, instead of those organizations that are most responsible for contributing to the problem. But this years COP negotiations are seeing the largest wave of corporate capture, causing some actors to refer to it as an unhinged political farce.

Maybe COP stands for Controversies of the Parties, Samwaroo said.

Still, she said, shes deeply invested in feminist participation at COP. Ill be supporting my fellow climate advocates that are going and being in solidarity with them, because I know how stressful it is being in a different country with so many different rules for two weeks.

Through the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, she is also co-coordinating a Caribbean-wide campaign called Truth Be Told: A Caribbean Call to Action on Gender and Climate Justice, through the Caribbean Climate Justice Alliance, which aims to work alongside the COP to mobilize awareness, visibility and policy advocacy on gender and climate justice.

But the negotiations taking place at COP28 are only the beginning. Next comes the hard work of pushing for accountability for the commitments made, Samwaroo said. Im really thinking about what happens after COP in the new year, when all of this gets put into action.

At COP28, as it relates to the issue of loss and damage, Hutchinsons expectations are that communities most affected and marginalized as a result of the climate crisis are ensured climate reparations for their suffering. Many actors see the provision of funds to women through the loss and damage funds as key to empowering women to address the impacts of climate at the household and community level.

As members of a community, when women lack access to equitable financial systems, this can impact their livelihoods and autonomy, purchasing power of climate technologies for their homes or businesses, and ability to pay for energy efficiency upgrades.

Feminist actors are advocating for a loss and damage fund that allows for direct financing to women to help catalyze transformational change and promotes feminist funding approaches.

Those severely impacted by climate change and environmental degradationespecially in the Global Southdo not have another decade, or even five years, to wait for a gender-responsive, human rights approach to ensuring their rights and survival.

The Womens Environment & Development Organization (WEDO) in its demands for feminist climate finance said it requires a systemic and structural transformation of our global economic systems and climate finance flows to reach communities and countries on the frontlines of climate impacts, as well as to fund a gender just transition. Until then, the work of feminist funders such as Global Fund for Women is critical to place money directly in the hands of womens organizations working to promote climate resilience for all.

Hutchinsons ask to parties in this years negotiations is to ensure that they dont continue to fail women and those most marginalized. She reminded us that those severely impacted by climate change and environmental degradationespecially in the Global Southdo not have another decade or even five years to wait for a gender-responsive, human rights approach to ensuring their rights and survival.

Feminist actors are calling out government and private sector actors for perpetuating marginalization, discrimination and violence against women human rights defenders and Indigenous land defenders, and of undermining their rights and needs in the COP process. They are demanding that girls, women and youth in all their diversity must be meaningfully included as co-creators and co-leaders in climate decision-making processes and spaces, at all levelsincluding in COP28 and its outcomes.

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U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection pointfrom the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms. has been forging feminist journalismreporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all thats at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donationany amount that is meaningful to you. For as little as $5 each month, youll receive the print magazine along with our e-newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to Ms. Studios events and podcasts. We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity.

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Climate Justice at COP28: Perspectives of Caribbean Feminist Activists - Ms. Magazine

When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? – Cruise Hive

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Caribbean cruises can be booked throughout the entire calendar year, but the best time to visit is from December to April. If youre looking for the best deals, book a cruise between May and November.

This time frame overlaps hurricane season for a few weeks, but if youre willing to take the risk, you can find significantly more affordable prices for cruises, tours, and on-shore excursions.

Lets take a closer look at everything you need to know to book your Caribbean cruise at the time thats best for you.

To understand the best time to enjoy a cruise in the Caribbean, you first need to know how the seasons in the region work. Essentially, this tropical climate experiences two noticeably different seasons the dry season and the wet season. As you may have guessed, these two seasons revolve around the amount of precipitation the region experiences during different times of the year.

Given the unpredictability of Caribbean weather, the dry season does not have a specific start and finish date, but it generally runs from early November until late April. During this stretch, temperatures tend to be relatively mild, while precipitation is at an annual minimum.

During the first half of the dry season, you can expect daily average temperatures to range somewhere between 70 F and 80 F. This means you can enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine without risking the sweltering intensity of the summer heat.

During the back end of the dry season, meaning January until the end of April, average temperatures rise by a few degrees, but the skies usually remain clear.

When the dry season ends in late April, the wet season begins. May tends to be the informal beginning of the wet season, so temperatures increase alongside humidity levels.

The temperatures vary between the Southern Caribbean Islands, like St Lucia and St Vincent, and those in the Western Caribbean closer to the continental United States, like the Cayman Islands, St Maarten, or Jamaica, but you can expect the average daytime temperature to be around 91 F. As the name suggests, precipitation increases throughout the wet season, but showers are brief and sporadic during the first few months.

Once you reach July, you are at the very peak of the Caribbeans wet season, which means you can expect high temperatures, plenty of rain, and humidity levels that can be uncomfortable. During these mid to late summer months, the Caribbean is also at the greatest risk of experiencing tropical storms, multi-day rainfalls, and even hurricanes.

Given how the wet and dry seasons pan out, you are always better off booking your Caribbean cruise vacation during the calendars shoulder seasons, meaning late fall and early spring.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands?

More specifically, you will want to favor the months of November and April when booking your trip. If you want to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms, we recommend April over November, but remember that November can be a pleasant time to enjoy a cruise in the region.

As you can tell from our breakdown of the wet and dry seasons, conditions tend to be at their most pleasant and calm right before the start of the wet season and shortly after it has concluded.

This gives you that perfect blend of warm and sunny weather while minimizing your risk of rainfall and severe storms. Nighttime temperatures are also pleasant during these months, rather than muggy and humid.

While there is always the risk of the occasional light rain shower when you are in the Caribbean, they tend to be fairly minimal during the late fall and early spring.

Beyond ensuring that you have a high chance of enjoying pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, the shoulder seasons are also an excellent time to book your vacation because of the calmer sea conditions.

Even though modern cruise ships are all designed for stability and passenger comfort, it is always more pleasant to be a passenger when traveling through calm seas.

Not only does it minimize seasickness and that unpleasant rocking motion some passengers find irritating, but the Caribbean Sea and its numerous coastlines are most beautiful when the turquoise water is perfectly still.

The Caribbean Sea is usually relatively calm during late fall and early spring. As you can imagine, this helps ensure all passengers enjoy a smoother, more relaxing cruising experience.

While it is possible to enjoy a pleasant cruising experience in the Caribbean throughout the year, it is generally understood that cruising during a summer month is the riskiest.

When you book a cruise that sets sail between August and September, you almost guarantee that you will travel during the peak of the wet season. This is also when the CCaribbeanshurricane season is in full swing.

Temperatures can be warm and enjoyable, but many people find that the humidity can be unpleasant. Rain is also more frequent, which can makeexcursions and exploring portsof call far less enjoyable.

If you choose to travel during peak hurricane season, there is also the risk that a hurricane or serious tropical storm will disrupt your cruise vacation.

This can mean your itinerary can be disrupted, or the cruise line will be forced to cancel the voyage entirely. Whilethis outcome is fairly unlikely, it can be a concern for those who cannot delay their trip due to work commitments.

This is one of the reasons why Caribbean cruises during the summer tend to be relatively affordable. Not only is there a higher risk of rainfall and high humidity levels, but you also risk trip disruptions due to storms and hurricanes. With that said, due to the lack of demand, fewer Caribbean cruises set sail during this time of year, which can increase costs and level them out.

While it may surprise you, some of themost affordable monthsof the year to cruise the Caribbean are some of the most pleasant months to travel in the region.

Tickets for cruises that set sail between January and March are usually among the most affordable. This is because these months and those between them are when demand is high enough to warrant an increased number of cruise voyages, but they miss the most pleasant months of November and April.

In other words, plenty of cruise lines offer Caribbean voyages during this period, but demand is lower than during the peak travel months. This increases the chances of scoring anamazing Caribbean cruise deal.

If you want tokeep costs to a minimum, it is also worth noting that you should try to avoid booking your trip for days that land near major holidays, like the week between Christmas and New Years Eve. This is because demand increases, which usually translates to higher prices for cruise ship tickets. March break should also be avoided, as many families with children try to book during this week.

Most experienced Caribbean cruisers will tell you to avoid the middle of the wet season. We tend to agree with this advice, as it helps you avoid the most unpleasant Caribbean weather.

Regarding our top picks, we almost always point towards November and April, as they provide the least precipitation, the calmest waters, and plenty of sunshine. These are also some of the most expensive months to travel, so you may want to pick some other time during the dry season.

Ultimately, thebest time to cruisethe Caribbean depends on your personal budget and preferences. If you hope to enjoy a cruise during a less ideal month to celebrate a particular occasion or life event, book your trip and enjoy yourself!

While it is true that certain months are better than others when it comes to reducing your risk of rain storms and unpleasant temperatures, the Caribbean Sea is a year-round cruising destination. As long as you have realistic weather expectations and areprepared for your trip, you will enjoy yourself!

In other words, dont get bogged down in the details! Book when it makes the most sense for you and your loved ones.

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When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? - Cruise Hive

The best secret beaches in the Caribbean – The Points Guy

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Ready to start planning a warm, tropical getaway? Or are you content simply dreaming about future trips to the Caribbean?

Either way, a lot of other people have that same idea, and Caribbean beaches can get crowded quickly. Luckily, there are still some secret spots in the Caribbean where you can relax in your own little slice of paradise and these are 10 of our favorites.

A tiny uninhabited island southeast of Curacao is known for its white, powdery sand and spectacular diving conditions (read: sprawling masses of coral and underwater caves). To get there, you'll need to charter a boat or book a tour with an operator such as Bounty Adventures. Once you explore the lighthouse, swim with sea turtles and snorkel around a shipwreck, you'll definitely be asking, "Can I go back?"

Since you have to get there via boat or group tour, you could stay by the harbor of Willemstad on the main island at Renaissance Wind Creek Curaao Resort. Rates start from just $206 per night in low season. Marriott loyalists can redeem 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night or use a free night certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (worth up to 35,000 points).

You won't have to fight for a beach chair at this off-the-beaten-path beach as it's located in the northeast corner of the island, away from the main tourist destinations in Punta Cana.

It's a bit difficult to get to, and there's no restaurant nearby, but that just adds to the secluded nature of the sandy spot. Once there, you'll get to enjoy coconut trees, white sand and turquoise waters with few others in sight. And let your whole family enjoy the seclusion by booking a stay at the nearby Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana or the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (from $400 or 25,000 points per night).

When you have to climb down a rope along a cliff to get there, you know it's a secret beach. But that's precisely the adventure it takes to enjoy the secluded nature of Little Bay. While accessing it may be a bit of a harrowing experience, once you get to the white sandy beaches with no crowds, you'll be glad you did. We guess we should mention you can take a chartered boat here, too, though you'll miss out on the adrenaline rush.

Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes

If you're traveling to Anguilla, there's good news for Hilton loyalists: Zemi Beach House an incredible resort just 15 minutes away from Little Bay and part of Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts group is bookable from $930 or 95,000 points per night.

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The uninhabited island, located a half-mile off Bonaire, doesn't have any buildings or people. What you will find, however, is a stunning reef, bright blue waters and unspoiled white-sand beaches. Best of all, No Name Beach is protected by a national park, which means it will never be overrun with hotels and visitors. Eden Beach Resort (rates from $110 per night) is right near a water taxi, making it an affordable and perfectly located home base to explore the stunning island.

Antigua's Half Moon Bay tends to be more deserted than others on the island: There's no sign identifying the mile-long stretch of pink and white sand. Once you find it, though, you're in for a crowd-free euphoria. The beach has something for everyone windsurfers flock to the center to take advantage of the waves, while snorkelers float around the calmer water near the edges.

There are several hotels on the island, including Nonsuch Bay Resort (rates from $354 per night) and Carlisle Bay (rates from $470), as well as excellent all-inclusive resorts.

Related: The best beaches you can visit on a cruise

You'll feel as if you're on a private island here, as this secluded beach is filled with unspoiled white sand and you won't see high-rise hotels or hordes of visitors: just the occasional hammock and umbrella. There are some low-key beach bars and restaurants, but they stay pretty hidden.

If you're going to travel to the British Virgin Islands, you might want to splash out at Scrub Island, a Marriott Autograph Collection property you can book from $629 or 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates.

Rosalie Bay Beach, located in Dominica's remote southeast corner, is a hidden gem of the Caribbean. It's not just the golden sands and crystal-clear waters that make it special; this serene beach is one of the prime spots to witness the mesmerizing nesting rituals of hawksbill turtles. What's more, it's a haven for relaxation.

The accommodations around this area are thoughtfully designed to melt away stress and immerse you in tranquility. While it's a bit of an adventure to get there, the journey is worth every step. The beach has blossomed into a vibrant ecotourism hub, with family-friendly tour packages offering everything from water sports to up-close wildlife encounters.

To check out this beach you can book a room at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel for around $477 or 50,000 IHG rewards points per night.

Tucked away on the enchanting island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands lies a hidden treasure: Salomon Beach.

A stone's throw away from the bustling Cruz Bay, a mile-long walk through the island's lush vegetation via the Lind Point Trail leads adventurers to this secluded paradise. Whether you take the left or right fork along the trail, both paths converge, revealing a charming sandy nook that stretches for just 25 yards. It's a beach that's often so tranquil and untouched you'd probably find only a handful of fellow sun seekers or, if lucky, have the entire beach to yourself.

The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a great hub to explore this secret spot and will cost around $629 per night or you can redeem 103,000 Marriott Bonvoy rewards points.

Beyond the picturesque Seven Seas Beach lies a lesser-known sanctuary, Playa Escondida.

Translated as "Hidden Beach," its name says it all. From the far left corner of Seven Seas Beach, a captivating trail through the mangroves invites explorers. Wander along this path and choose the right when faced with a fork. Then, at another fork, once again veer right. A short 10-minute trek rewards you with the first secret spot: Playa Colora.

After basking under the sun, possibly with a rum cocktail in hand, retrace your steps to the path, turn right, and in just about five minutes, you'll emerge onto Playa Escondida. Its orange-hued sands and the promise of seclusion make it a true hidden gem. After all, anything with "hidden" in its name promises a magical escape, doesn't it?

Related: The best hotels in Puerto Rico find your stay on the Island of Enchantment

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is available from around $411 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hidden away, this island feels more like a slice of Kauai than your usual Caribbean haunt. And guess what? It's got the world's tiniest commercial runway! But that's not its only surprise. In just 5 square miles, you'll find everything from misty forests to golden beaches.

And many maps don't even show this gem. Think you've seen every Caribbean beach? Think again. Well's Bay is a real standout here. Imagine tall cliffs with a beach that plays peek-a-boo because of the northern waves. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. If you're keen to catch it, ask the locals. They know the best times. With its quirks and hidden charm, it's no wonder this island boasts one of the best hidden beaches in the Caribbean.

As you can imagine, there aren't a ton of hotels, but Queen's Gardens Resort & Spa is one of the best; rates start from just $260 per night.

This Dominican Republic Beach Town Is the Best Caribbean Getaway You’ve Never Heard Of – Vogue

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

For the last ten years, Ive been in search of the perfect weekend paradise. My dream destination is hot during the New York winters, with a beautiful swimmable beach thats walking distance from town. There are cute local restaurants, fun beach clubs, and chic boutique hotels. Theres no need to rent a car or rely on taxis.

Of course, many such places exist in the world. As a travel writer willing to scour the far corners of the globe in the quest for paradise, I have happily endured 40-hour travel days for the chance to swim in a remote seaside lagoon and dine on fresh seafood in a thatched-roof hut. But visiting the Philippines for a long weekend isnt exactly feasible.

So, my perfect long weekend destination has to be a direct flight from New York City thats under five hours. From there, it has to be an easy (as in, only one form of transportationno car-to-puddle jumper-to-ferry) ride to the destination that takes two hours at the most. The Yucatn is one of my favorite places to visit, but due to the seaweed problem there, the beautiful swimmable beaches bit is not a guarantee. Other Caribbean locales Ive visited have checked mostbut never allof the boxes. Until I visited Las Terrenas.

The Salto de Limon waterfall located on the Saman peninsula near Las Terrenas.Photo: Getty Images

This Dominican Republic Beach Town Is the Best Caribbean Getaway You've Never Heard Of - Vogue

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (As of 4 December 2023) – World – ReliefWeb

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Attachments

REGIONAL: FOOD SECURITY

KEY FIGURES

247.8 million PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MODERATE-TO-SEVERE FOOD INSECURITY IN THE REGION

The 2023 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report by FAO, IFAD, PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, and WFP reveals progress in combating hunger and food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in South America, despite indications that 247.8 million people are affected by moderate-to-severe food insecurity across the whole region. While South America saw a decline in hunger and food insecurity between 2021 and 2022, hunger rates in Mesoamerica (Mexico and Central America) remained unchanged, and the Caribbean experienced an increase. Overall, 6.5 per cent of the region's population (43.2 million people) faced hunger in 2022.

Moderate or severe food insecurity affected 37.5 per cent of the population, higher than the global average of 29.6 per cent. This marked a decrease from the previous year, with 247.8 million people affected, including 159 million in South America, 61.9 million in Mesoamerica, and 26.9 million in the Caribbean. Severe food insecurity affected 12.6 per cent of the population (83.4 million people) in the region. In South America, the prevalence was 12.7 per cent (55.4 million people), in Mesoamerica it was 8.6 percent (15.4 million), and in the Caribbean 28.2 per cent (12.5 million). Persistent inequalities and climate patterns, particularly affecting women and rural communities, continue to challenge food security. The gender gap in food insecurity slightly narrowed but remained at 9.1 percentage points, while rural areas experienced 8.3 percentage points higher food insecurity than urban areas. In Central America and Haiti, erratic rainfall due to El Nio conditions has led to increasing agricultural production costs and a reduction in crop yields. According to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), crisis levels (IPC Stage 3) of acute food insecurity are expected to spread between February and May 2024 as poor households face depleting stocks from below-average harvests and limited purchasing power as food prices increase.

SOUTH AMERICA: HEAVY RAINFALL

KEY FIGURES

2.8 million PEOPLE COULD BE AFFECTED BY EL NIO-INDUCED WEATHER IN PERU

Bolivia and Peru issued warnings as both countries face heavy rainfall. On 27 November, heavy rain and strong wind hit the Huancayo Province in Junn Department, central Peru, resulting in displacement and damage. According to Peru's National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI), the rainfall has affected 451 people, displaced 58 people and destroyed or damaged at least 215 houses. Perus National Hydrology and Meteorology Service warns that between 2-5 December intense rains are set to continue in 17 regions across the country, particularly mountain and jungle areas. More than 2.8 million people could be affected by El Nio-induced rains and landslides across Peru, according to INDECI estimates.

In Bolivia, heavy rains are forecast to hit the country this week following an intense season of wildfires in the La Paz, Beni, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba departments, which destroyed an estimated 3.4 million hectares of forests and pastures and killed 13 people according to official Government data. A report from the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service triggered official alarms as rivers are expected to overflow. An orange alert was issued on 29 November for rains and thunderstorms in La Paz and will remain in effect until 7 December.

REGIONAL: POVERTY

KEY FIGURES

29% OF THE REGIONS POPULATION LIVING IN POVERTY

According to the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) 2023 report, poverty in Latin America returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. Some 181 million people (nearly one third of the regions population) live in poverty, slightly less than before COVID-19, while extreme poverty affects 11.2 per cent of the population (70 million people), similar to 2019 levels. Moreover, ECLAC warns of a 1.7 per cent GDP growth rate forecast for 2023, which is significantly lower than the 3.8 per cent seen in 2022 and could even slow to 1.5 per cent in 2024 potentially stalling further poverty reduction.

Poverty affects children, adolescents, women, indigenous people, and rural residents in higher rates. Income inequality remains high despite falling in 2022 to levels below those recorded in 2019. The richest decile earns 21 times more than the poorest, ECLAC highlights. Last year the 105 wealthiest individuals alone held wealth equal to nearly 9 per cent of the regional GDP. Gender disparities persist in the labour market as well, with a 22.6 percentage point gap in participation rates between men and women, and higher unemployment rates for women.

The rest is here:

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update (As of 4 December 2023) - World - ReliefWeb

11 Best Caribbean Beaches You Should Visit on a Cruise – Cruise Critic

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Trunk Bay, St John Island, US Virgin Islands (Photo: Sorin Colac/Shutterstock) (Photo:Sean Pavone/Shutterstock)

When it comes to Eastern Caribbean cruise ports, heading to a great beach always tops the list of shore excursion picks. Some passengers sign up for pre-booked escapes to tried-and-true locales, such as beach bars specifically designed for daytrippers, while others look for beach resorts fronting the turquoise sea, which sometimes means purchasing a day pass to make it easier all around.

Whether you're looking for popular public beaches filled to the brim with other cruisers or tiny spots of sand, here are four excellent places in the Eastern Caribbean to rest and relax.

If you're looking for a top beach that checks all the boxes, Magens Bay Beach is the place you want to be. Magens Bay Beach, located on the island of St. Thomas, is the best Caribbean beach for families and large groups that need to please different travel styles.

The horseshoe-shaped beach is breathtaking, and on top of its beauty, it has a wide range of water sports and equipment rentals available. Lounge on the beach or take to the hills around the beach to enjoy sweeping vistas of the island itself or its pristine waters.

Due to Magens Bays popularity, the beach can fill up quickly and feel crowded. We recommend heading to the beach early to grab a lounger.

Beachgoers will pay a per-person fee to visit this pristine strip of sand and need to find a mode of transport. From St. Thomas cruise port, you can take a private taxi or shared shuttle bus to the other side of the island. Expect the journey to last around 20 to 24 minutes.

While beautiful Magens Bay is justifiably famous, it's usually offered as the beach excursion for most cruise ships -- thus, it's often extremely crowded. Instead, get a double dose of views at Sapphire Beach, a resort about a 30-minute taxi ride from the port.

Sapphire Beach is located on St. Thomas' east end and has a magnificent view of St. John and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.

For those looking for calm, crystal-clear waters, this is it. Snorkeling is at its best; just walk right into the surf, and the fish are there to greet you. Windsurfers also have a great time, and all equipment and lounge chairs can be rented for the day.

Slip into a natural wonder that combines rock pools, boulders, caverns and a small strip of beach in Tortola. The main draw for The Baths is the chance to swim, snorkel and adventure around the crystal-clear pools and discover the Cathedral Room, a small natural pool inside a cave.

Getting a chance to explore one of the best beaches in Caribbean waters will require some extra planning. From Tortolas cruise dock, take a ferry to Virgin Gorda. The ferry trip takes 30 minutes each way. We recommend booking each leg of the ferry in advance and arriving early because you dont want to miss your ferry back to the cruise ship.

From the Virgin Gorda ferry docks, take a 10-minute taxi to the baths. Enjoy one of the most unique and best beaches in the Caribbean.

A visit to St. John isnt complete without a stop at the best Caribbean beach. Trunk Bay Beach is a beach lover's paradise with over a quarter mile of warm white sand and salty turquoise water.

Beach facilities include snorkel gear rentals, beach chair rentals, a snack bar and grill, restrooms, showers, public telephones and lifeguards. There is a per-person entrance fee at Trunk Bay Beach.

Besides the tropical sand and water, the key feature at Trunk Bay is the marked underwater trail for snorkelers. Beginner snorkelers can safely follow the path and explore the aquatic sea life.

Cruise ships dont dock at St. John but may anchor and tender to the National Park dock. Most cruise ships will dock at the neighboring island of St. Thomas and cruisers may catch a ferry to St. John. It is a 12-minute taxi ride to Trunk Bay Beach from Cruz Bay ferry dock on St. John.

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11 Best Caribbean Beaches You Should Visit on a Cruise - Cruise Critic

9 Pirates Of The Caribbean Spinoffs Disney Already Missed Out On Making – Screen Rant

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Summary

The popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has long since peaked, but Disney failed to capitalize on its heyday with spinoffs that could have expanded its universe. Pirate movies have historically been box office disasters, as evidenced by both 1995s Cut-throat Island and 1982s Pirates. Despite this, The Curse of the Black Pearl became a huge box office hit, and the series soon became one of Hollywoods hottest franchises. The ensuing sequels werent as well-received critically, but the original trilogy was still a major box-office success.

2011s On Stranger Tides took a major risk by dropping most of the main characters save for Johnny Depps Jack Sparrow, but this paid off with box office receipts of over $1 billion. Despite this, there is still no sign of a Pirates of the Caribbean 6 release date. 2017s Dead Men Tell No Tales saw the franchise earn its worst reviews as the fifth movie also became the least profitable outing since the original movie. In the six years since, it became clear that the franchises peak had already come and gone, and Disney never turned Pirates of the Caribbean into a cinematic universe with spinoffs.

Part of the reason that Disney never expanded the franchise appears to be a fear of extending its focus beyond Depps Jack Sparrow. While Depps antihero shared the limelight with Kiera Knightleys fiery heroine Elizabeth and Orlando Blooms Will in the original trilogy, he was the sole focus of the later, lesser sequels. However, although Dead Men Tell No Tales briefly featured a younger version of Depps character in an early flashback, the series never pursued a spinoff centered on the recast Jack Sparrow. This was a waste when everything from Star Wars to the Indiana Jones franchise has historically attempted prequels that focus on younger versions of their lead characters.

Recasting Jack Sparrow wasn't the only way that the series could have benefited from looking into its past. The third movie, 2007s At Worlds End, revealed that the high seas were effectively governed by a trans-continental league of seafaring thieves known as the Nine Pirate Lords. Even though the legendary Keith Richards had a cameo as one of these Lords, who was also Jacks father, the series never capitalized on this shocking development with a spinoff. A scheme hatched by the Pirate Lords, or a story associated with just one of them, could've been the focus of a separate Pirates of the Caribbean installment.

The most obvious avenue for the franchise to pursue would have been for the series to flesh out its lore further. However, part of what made the original movie so fun was its light-hearted, self-aware tone. To avoid sacrificing this element of the series, the creators of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise could have focused a spinoff on Pintel and Ragetti, the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern-style pair of comic relief characters who cropped up at pivotal moments throughout the original trilogy. Going in this direction would have allowed the franchise to experiment with a different approach, one that relied even more on comedy and perhaps a little less on action.

If viewers did want more answers about the world of the series, the easiest place for the franchise to start would be in its existing settings. Pirates of the Caribbeans Tortuga is a real-life island with an interesting history, while the Fountain of Youth seen in On Stranger Tides proved that the series wasnt afraid to venture far and wide in search of fantasy settings. A spinoff could have explained the magical properties of the Fountain in more depth, shown more of Tortugas real and fictional history, or even delved into how the magic of the franchises locations functioned.

The Kraken was a Lovecraftian beast that could take down any ship thanks to its immense size and inconceivable power, and its appearance near the end of Dead Mans Chest was one of the franchises most chilling moments. As such, it was a crushing disappointment when the Kraken was killed offscreen between movies, reducing the best monster in the series into little more than a giant beached squid. This letdown could have been ameliorated by a spinoff that showcased the Krakens terrifying glory in more detail. A new group of protagonists could have been pitted against the monster.

On the topic of villains who were badly misused by At Worlds End, Davy Jones and Tia Dalmas backstory was wasted in that overstuffed outing. The pair were implied to have had a tragic past, with Jones falling in love with the sea goddess only for him to betray her so that he could gain more power. Their brutally sad story indirectly leads to Joness brutal fate when Tia Dalma returns to her original form as the goddess Calypso, but this love story deserves an entire spinoff instead of one throwaway scene.

While the Kraken was scary and Jones was heartless, neither of them could compare with the worst villains in the series. The East India Trading Company was an unthinking, callous corporation that killed with impunity as it brought ruthless economic warfare to the world of piracy. However, the real-life East India Trading Company was immeasurably worse than the franchises cartoony villains and a spinoff that focused on their misdeeds could have highlighted this dark chapter in maritime history.

The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was not short of memorable villains, but the series was limited when it came to screen time. As a result, characters like Captain Barbossa, the aforementioned Davy Jones and Tia Dalma, Captain Salazar, and Blackbeard were never meaningfully fleshed out. Barbossa even went from the original movies villain to Jacks sidekick in the fourth and fifth franchise outings without any character development occurring in between these extremes. As such, a spinoff could have filled some of these gaps and answered questions the movies didn't have room for.

Centering the villains of the Pirates of the Caribbean series in a spinoff would be an easy way to win over viewers, but wouldnt do much to keep the series going and introduce the movies to a new generation. For that, the creators of the franchise would have needed to focus a spinoff on Elizabeth and Wills son. Dead Men Tell No Tales attempted this, but the sequel was mostly focused on Jack and this new hero felt like an afterthought. For the franchise to fulfill its potential, Disney needed to make a Pirates of the Caribbean spinoff that finally took Jack Sparrow out of the spotlight.

9 Pirates Of The Caribbean Spinoffs Disney Already Missed Out On Making - Screen Rant

Caribbean Currents: As the world changes, the work ethic is disappearing – The Philadelphia Tribune

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

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Caribbean Currents: As the world changes, the work ethic is disappearing - The Philadelphia Tribune

Why Cultural Tourism Is Exploding In Popularity In The Mexican Caribbean This Year – The Cancun Sun

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

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Not so long ago, the main reason why so many people flocked to the Mexican Caribbean was for one thing: its unmatched beach locations that look like something out of a picture-perfect postcard.

While the Mexican Caribbean remains in no short supply of fabulous beaches for tourists to enjoy, its cultural offerings seem to be putting it on the map like never before and are exploding in popularity this year.

The region is littered with cultural, environmental, and historical sites, with some of them considered part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The cultural tourism sector is bringing in record amounts of money, generating 19,489 million pesos for the economy in 2022, and is quickly becoming one of the most appreciated sectors by international visitors.

Soon to become inaugurated in the coming days, the new Maya Train, a billion-dollar infrastructure project that has been years in the making, is going to unlock the Yucatan Peninsula for all tourists and locals, making cultural tourism even more accessible than ever before.

Local authorities have been investing money to fund the Archeological Zone Improvement Program (Promeza), which aims to uncover, expand, and open more historical sites and take advantage of this sudden boom in the sectors popularity.

Now, thanks to the Maya Train and New Tulum International Airport, tourists will be able to reach some incredible archeological zones that would have once been more difficult to reach, such as El Meco, El Rey, San Miguelito, Paamul II, Tulum, Coba, the Nohuch Mul pyramid, Muyil, Chacchoben, Ichkabal, Oxtankah, and Kinichna.

With affordable tickets which are linked here, there is now no reason for you to spend your entire vacation sitting on the beach, and instead can enjoy some of the breathtaking cultural attractions that the region has to offer.

Newer to the growing trend that is cultural tourism? Weve got you covered.

Here are some places to check out that exist on the new Maya Train route and are perfect for a first-time visit, though some will not be accessible until the full launch in February 2024, such as Tulum.

The third most visited archeological site in all of Mexico, the Tulum Ruins are iconic for their ruined ancient temples that sit above the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico atop the cliffside and have become a standout image synonymous with the region.

Built by the Ancient Mayans, these incredible structures still stand today and are rich in history, dating back as early as 564.

Below the ruins lie some beautiful beaches that tourists have access to, making it a full-day trip kind of place if you so wish.

Lesser known than the Tulum Ruins and a little more rugged in its execution, Coba is another archeological site that will capture your interest.

Complete with a 138-foot-tall pyramid and ball court that would have been used by the ancient Mayan civilisation over 1000 years ago, this site is a must-see and perfect for any wildlife lovers, who can witness monkeys who inhabit the area, as well as (on rare occasions) jaguars and panthers in the surrounding jungles.

Cob was once a major hub of Mayan civilization, and will capture your imagination once you visit, transporting you to a seminal time period in history.

Surrounded by lush jungles and a little more tucked away from the more popular archeological sites in the region, Muyil will make you feel at one with nature, away from the busyness of hotel zones and shopping malls.

The 55-foot pyramid known as El Castillo is a stand-out structure, different from any other historical site in the Mexican Caribbean, alongside other ancient pyramids and ruins which are covered by the luscious jungle mangroves as its backdrop.

Among them lies a path from El Castillo which leads to the biggest attraction at the site; the Muyil Lagoon.

Once you have explored the ancient ruins, you can escape the hot Mexican sun and find some peace and tranquillity here, with guided boat tours on offer if you so wish.

Saving the best for last, Chichn Itz is the undisputed, most popular archeological site in the Mexican Caribbean.

Now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this breathtaking location will give you an insight into the technologically advanced architecture that was built by ancient Mayan civilizations to create jaw-dropping pyramids, temples, and structures that have stood the test of time.

The Pyramid of Kulkulkan is the sites main attraction which towers over the jungle, and is a must-see during the spring and autumn equinoxes when the setting sun creates the image of a snake slithering through the pyramids steps!

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Why Cultural Tourism Is Exploding In Popularity In The Mexican Caribbean This Year - The Cancun Sun

‘Cities for Action’ to address Caribbean asylum seeker crisis Caribbean Life – Caribbean Life

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

With the unrelenting influx of Caribbean and other migrants crossing the southern border of the United States and travelling to major cities, such as New York City and Chicago, Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayors Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro on Monday disclosed that the city will host the Eighth Annual Cities for Action.

Officials say many of the immigrants arriving in New York City from the southern border are nationals from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti and Guatemala.

Adams told a press conference that representatives from over 20 cities are expected to participate in the two-day event.

Since the founding of Cities for Action in 2014, immigration issues have only become more urgent. And, in the 20 months since we began managing a national asylum seeker crisis almost entirely on our own, cities have been the ones to step up and lead the way, the mayor said.

As we continue to tackle the current humanitarian crisis, New York City is proud to host this convening of municipal leaders who are working on the frontlines and advocating for the federal government to finish the job they started by providing more financial and logistical support to cities across the country, he added.

As a city of immigrants, we look forward to continuing the work with our municipal partners to advance compassionate solutions on-the-ground and immigrant-inclusive policies nationwide, Adams continued.

Castro said he looked forward to strategizing with other municipal leaders.

Its incredibly powerful to have so many city offices of immigrant affairs from across the nation come together in New York City this week, he said.

In a time where cities are leading the way in responding to the asylum seeker humanitarian crisis, it is timely we are coming together to strategize and advocate together on behalf of our cities and our immigrant communities, he added.

Adams said 23 jurisdictions from across the nation will participate in the event. They include: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Santa Clara Counties, CA; Aurora and Denver, CO; Miami-Dade County, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Louisville, KY; Boston and Somerville, MA; Baltimore City and Baltimore County, MD; Saint Paul, MN; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA; Austin, Houston, and El Paso County, TX; and Seattle, WA.

The mayor said more than 140,000 migrants and asylum seekers have converged on New York City, seeking shelter, since the crisis started.

He said his administration has adopted fast and urgent action in addressing the humanitarian crisis, with smaller-than-expected aid from the federal government.

Meantime, as Republicans in the US Senate continue attempts to block aid for Caribbean and other migrant and asylum seekers, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) is appealing to lawmakers in the nations capital to support critical asylum protections and push back against the Republicans radical agenda.

Recently, US immigration authorities reported an influx of Chinese migrants crossing the border in attempting to seek asylum in the US.

NYIC, an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York, prides itself in serving one of the largest and most diverse newcomer populations in the United States.

NYICs Executive Director Murad Awawdeh noted on Tuesday that US Senate Republicans, in their weeks-long budget negotiations on President Joe Bidens emergency supplemental funding request to support the war in Ukraine, are unrelenting in attempting to block aid to Caribbean and other migrants and asylum seekers, unless the budget includes extreme changes in immigration policy, including barriers to seeking asylum in the United States, humanitarian parole and enforcing stricter border policies.

As cities across the country continue to welcome newly-arrived asylum seekers, it is crucial that lawmakers in Washington support critical asylum protections and push back against the Republicans radical agenda, including cutting back on humanitarian parole, resuming construction on parts of the southern border wall, reinstating remain in Mexico, as well as the safe third country banall of which would ultimately result in the end of our asylum system, Awawdeh told Caribbean Life.

There is no reason to include increased use of inhumane policies like family separation as part of a foreign budget package, except pure cruelty, he added. Instead, lawmakers must expand effective and humane measures that will alleviate the pressure from the southern border, allow for more secure processing of asylum seekers, and ensure that localities like New York City, which have received thousands of new arrivals, are able to support and integrate them into our communities.

After embarking on a treacherous journey to the United States, immigrant communities deserve to feel protected and thrive in our country to live out their American dream, Awawdeh continued.

In his continuing efforts to manage, as best as he can, the expanding asylum seeker crisis, Adams recently launched the broadening of the Asylum Application Help Center.

With funding from New York State, Adams said he will open two new satellite sites in aiding asylum seekers in submitting applications for asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and work authorization.

Last month, the mayor launched the citys first satellite sites for immigration application assistance in Harlem and Lower Manhattan.

While we continue to call for a national strategy to solve a national crisis, New York City continues to do its part to support asylum seekers, he said. For over a year, we have asked the federal government to put forward a resettlement strategy, expedite work authorizations for asylum seekers, and provide New York City with much needed and meaningful financial support.

In the absence of that national strategy, New York City continues to lead building out the legal and resettlement infrastructure needed to address this crisis, the mayor added. We hope the federal government will join us in these efforts and finish the job they started.

Since its launch this summer, bolstered by aid from state partners, Adams said the citys help center has supported the filing of over 7,200 asylum applications, about 2,900 work authorization applications and nearly 2,900 TPS applications.

He said New York City has also helped Caribbean and other asylum seekers file over 3,100 work authorization applications during two clinics hosted in partnership with the federal government and city-based nonprofits, totaling more than 16,000 asylum, work authorization and TPS applications.

As he continues to prioritize helping asylum seekers live independently, without significant or timely state and federal assistance, Adams said he plans to proceed, in January 2024, with a 20 percent reduction in spending on the migrant crisis in his Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget.

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'Cities for Action' to address Caribbean asylum seeker crisis Caribbean Life - Caribbean Life

6 things I loved and 3 things I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise – Royal Caribbean Blog

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

Todays mega cruise ships are packed with the latest thrills, from zip lines to indoor skydiving, but what is it like sailing on one of Royal Caribbeans older cruise ships?

I recently cruised on Royal Caribbeans Brilliance of the Seas, a Radiance Class cruise ship built in 2002. During my exotic ten day sailing to the South Pacificmy longest cruise thus farI relished the opportunity to enjoy a more traditional cruising experience.

Although I love cruising on massive vessels with nearly endless activities to enjoy, theres something special about the relaxed, quieter ambiance of cruising on a smaller, older ship. For the most part, I loved everything about my time onboard, from the attentive service to the itinerary and friendly faces around the ship.

Nonetheless, there were, like any cruise, a few things I did not enjoy. Whether the lack of specialty dining restaurants or the thin walls in my cabin, my vacation was not entirely perfect.

Here are six things I loved and three I hated about my Brilliance of the Seas cruise.

My cruising mantra is to always select itineraries that visit at least one destination I havent been to before. Whether a new island in the Caribbean or a new port in Alaska, exploring breathtaking destinations is a major reason why I book cruises.

When the opportunity arose to book a cruise from Australia, I began searching for Royal Caribbeans most unique itinerary in the region during the month of November. I decided upon a 10-night South Pacific cruise that visited five islands in the French territory of New Caledonia and the Pacific nation of Vanuatu.

Related: 15 countries you didnt know you could cruise to on Royal Caribbean

You can find South Pacific itineraries on new ships like Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, which also sail from Australia, but they typically only visit two or three islands on each itinerary.

Sailing on an older ship like Brilliance of the Seas gave me the chance to make the most of my long journey across the world to Australia. I absolutely loved visiting five diverse, breathtaking islands during my cruise, and I was happy I chose the most unique itinerary available.

Ive recently reached the Diamond Plus tier in Royal Caribbeans Crown & Anchor Society, and one of the new perks I receive with this status is a buy one, get one free dinner at a specialty restaurant.

I thoroughly enjoy eating at Royal Caribbeans specialty restaurants, as I love the calmer atmosphere and wider variety of cuisines. Because of this, the BOGO deal was the perk I was most looking forward to trying on Brilliance of the Seas.

Unfortunately, though, older Royal Caribbean cruise ships often have limited specialty restaurant options, and Brilliance of the Seas was no exception. The ship only features four specialty restaurants: Chops Grille, Giovannis Table, Izumi Sushi, and Chefs Table.

Only two of these restaurants, Chops Grille and Giovannis Table, allow guests to use the BOGO discount. I would have loved to dine at Izumimy favorite of Royal Caribbeans restaurantsbut I was told this was not, unfortunately, covered with the discount.

Even though the food offered at Chops Grille and Giovannis Table is of great quality, Ive been to these restaurants many times before on other ships, and eating the same meal over and over can get a bit boring.

Having limited specialty restaurant options was one of the few times I wished I were sailing on a bigger cruise ship.

Despite the lack of specialty dining options, I found myself pleased with my experience in the Main Dining Room on Brilliance of the Seas.

With fewer options onboard for meals, youre likely to find yourself eating in the Main Dining Room more often on smaller ships compared to on Royal Caribbeans largest vessels. On my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, I ate in the Main Dining Room nearly every evening along with lunch on sea days and several breakfasts.

Related: 21 Tips for the Best Cruise Ship Main Dining Room Experience

Although I frequently eat in the Main Dining Room on other Royal Caribbean cruises, the over-the-top service I experienced on Brilliance of the Seas was on a different level. My waiters, Stefan and Stephen, were beyond attentive, regularly bringing me surprise menu items to try and delivering food in record speed.

I felt so attached to them by the end of the cruise that I couldnt even fathom eating dinner anywhere else! As a plus, the food quality and flavors were excellent as well.

Whenever I sail on new ships like Wonder of the Seas, I prioritize attending entertainment shows. I just cant pass up the entertainment offered onboard, from AquaTheater shows to ice skating shows and Broadway productions.

On smaller ships I tend to avoid theater shows. Although I can appreciate the talent of the cast on any ship, Im never as thrilled with entertainment on old cruise ships. Whether the smaller budget or lack of a storyline, I would usually much rather spend my evening doing something else instead.

Regardless, during my time on Brilliance of the Seas, I figured I should at least try to attend one production show, so I attended a performance of Tango: Buenos Aires.

I grabbed a front row seat by showing up a half hour early, and I was quickly left impressed by the professional tango dancers and live music of the production. It was one of the more unique production shows Ive seen on an older Royal Caribbean ship.

Following the performance, I wished I had attended more production shows during my time onboard, but Ill definitely try to attend more shows next time I sail on an older ship.

I cruise with Royal Caribbean relatively often, and I find myself getting into a certain routine while onboard. While Ill attend a trivia session or two during the day and listen to live music in the evening, I have realized I dont try enough new activities to keep things interesting.

Determined to change this and try something new, I participated in the Royal Mystery puzzle game while onboard. The purpose of this complimentary activity is to "solve" the mystery of a museum heist during which important artwork was stolen.

Through a series of clues found throughout the room and in a folder of papers given to participants, each team is supposed to determine which character committed the crime.

While the concept of the game was intriguing, I found it to be exceptionally difficult. Of the hundred or so people playing the game, almost everyone appeared confused. Not only were the clues unclear, but there were so many steps to the game that only one team even got close to solving the mystery.

Im glad I went out of my comfort zone to try a new activity, but I wish it would have been a little easier. Most passengers are not professional detectives, after all!

Prior to my Brilliance of the Seas cruise, which was ten nights, I had never booked a cruise over seven nights in length. The main difference I found when cruising on a longer itinerary, particularly on a smaller ship, was the community that formed while onboard.

Being on a smaller cruise ship for ten days meant I saw the same guests again and again during my sailing. By the end of the cruise I had formed friendships with several passengers, and we spent our days attending activities together, playing cards at Schooner Bar, and sharing meals in the dining room.

Sure, its possible to form friendships on bigger cruise ships, but its a lot easier on the smallest Royal Caribbean cruise ships as youre more likely to see the same passengers around throughout the sailing.

The internet speed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships has significantly improved since the launch of Starlink internet in 2022, but nothing could have prepared me for the insanely quick speeds on Brilliance of the Seas.

As someone who frequently works remotely from cruise ships, I rely on Royal Caribbeans internet to complete tasks like uploading videos to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube channel. In the past, uploading content could take hours, which was certainly not ideal for productivity.

Related: Can you work remotely from a cruise ship? I put it to the test

While on Brilliance of the Seas, I encountered the most responsive internet connection Ive ever experienced on a cruise ship. I was streaming Netflix with no issues, uploading large video files in under twenty minutes, and video chatting with friends and family back home without any connection delay.

Due to my ships remote itinerary in the South Pacific and the fact I was sailing on one of Royal Caribbeans older vessels, I expected slow, frustrating internet speeds, but this was (thankfully!) not the case whatsoever.

One downside Ive noticed when cruising on older ships are the thin walls in the cabins. Whether on Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, or Brilliance of the Seas, Ive always been able to hear sounds from guests in the rooms adjacent to my own.

From alarm clocks to conversations and televisions, its not ideal being able to hear what is going on outside of your cabin. Although these sounds are somewhat muffled, I missed the thicker walls of cabins on newer cruise ships during my recent cruise.

When its time to grab a drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of my preferred bars is Schooner Bar. Royal Caribbeans nautical themed bar is found on every ship in the fleet, and its a popular spot for activities like trivia and live piano music.

In September 2023, Royal Caribbean revamped its drink menu at Schooner Bar, crafting cocktails such as the Peanut Butter Tropic, Parrot Punch, and Southern Belle.

Related: Royal Caribbean revamps its nautical themed bar with new menu

Because I cruise with Royal Caribbean often, I cant pass up the opportunity to try a new drink menu. During my cruise I tried several new drinks at Schooner Bar, my favorite of which was the Desert Pear Margarita, which combines tequila, desert pear syrup, and lime juice for a distinct fruity flavor.

If anything, the new drink menu at Schooner Bar made me even more excited to try cocktails at one of the new bars on my Icon of the Seas cruise this January!

NASA Laser Reflecting Instruments to Help Pinpoint Earth Measurements – NASA

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

The best known use of GPS satellites is to help people know their location whether driving a car, navigating a ship or plane, or trekking across remote territory. Another important, but lesser-known, use is to distribute information to other Earth-viewing satellites to help them pinpoint measurements of our planet.

NASA and several other federal agencies, including the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command,the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency are improving the location accuracy of these measurements down to the millimeter with a new set of laser retroreflector arrays, or LRAs.

The primary benefit of laser ranging and LRAs is to improve the geolocation of all of our Earth observations, said Stephen Merkowitz, project manager for NASAs Space Geodesy Project at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

A team of scientists and engineers with the project tested these arrays earlier this year to ensure they were up to their task and they could withstand the harsh environment of space. Recently the first set of these new laser retroreflector arrays was shipped to the U.S. Space Force and Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colorado, to be added to the next generation of GPS satellites.

How do Laser Retroreflector Arrays Work?

Laser retroreflector arrays make it possible to do laser ranging using small bursts of laser light to detect distances between objects. Pulses of laser light from a ground station are directed toward an orbiting satellite, which then reflect off the array and return to the station. The time it takes for the light to travel from the ground to the satellite and back again can be used to calculate the distance between the satellite and the ground.

Laser ranging and laser retroreflector arrays have been part of space missions for decades, and they are currently mounted on and essential to the operation of Earth-viewing satellites like ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation satellite 2), SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography), and GRACE-FO (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow On). LRAs for laser ranging were even deployed on the surface of the Moon during the Apollo missions.

The LRAs are special mirrors, said Merkowitz. Theyre different from a normal mirror because they bounce back light directly towards its original source.

For laser ranging, scientists want to direct light beams back to the original source. They do this by placing three mirrors at right angles, essentially forming an inside corner of a cube. The laser retroreflector arrays are made up of an array of 48 of these mirrored corners.

When light enters the array, due to those 90-degree angles, the light will bounce and take a series of reflections, but the output angle will always come out at the same angle as the one that came in, said Zach Denny, optical engineer for the Space Geodesy Project at Goddard.

What Will Laser Retroreflector Arrays Help?

Geodesy is the study of Earths shape, as well as its gravity and rotation, and how they all change over time. Laser ranging to laser retroreflector arrays is a key technique in this study.

The surface of Earth is constantly changing in small ways due to shifting tectonic plates, melting ice, and other natural phenomena. With these constant shifts and the fact that Earth is not a perfect sphere there must be a way to define the measurements on Earths surface. Scientists call this a reference frame.

Not only do these arrays and laser ranging help to precisely locate the satellites in orbit, but they also provide accurate positioning information for the ground stations back on Earth. With this information, scientists can even go so far as to find the center of the mass of Earth, which is the origin, or zero point, of the reference frame.

Geodetic measurements laser ranging to reference satellites like LAGEOS (Laser Geodynamic Satellites) are used to constantly determine the location of Earths center of mass down to a millimeter. These measurements are critical for enabling scientists to assign a longitude and latitude to satellite measurements and put them on a map.

Significant events like tsunamis and earthquakes can cause small changes to the Earths center of mass. Scientists need accurate laser ranging measurements to quantify and understand those changes, said Linda Thomas, a research engineer at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington.

Satellite measurements of subtle but important Earth phenomena, such as sea level rise, rely on an accurate reference frame. The long-term global trend of sea level rise, as well as its seasonal and regional variations, occur at rates of just a few millimeters a year. The reference frame needs to be more accurate than such changes if scientists want to accurately measure them.

Geodesy is a fundamental part of our daily lives because it tells us where we are and it tells us how the world is changing, said Frank Lemoine, project scientist for NASAs Space Geodesy Project.

ByErica McNameeNASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

NASA Laser Reflecting Instruments to Help Pinpoint Earth Measurements - NASA

Space Force’s secretive space plane is making its highest flight yet – New Scientist

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

X-37B after its sixth mission

ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy

The US Space Force is preparing to launch its secretive X-37B space plane for the seventh time. What little information has been released suggests this will be the uncrewed space planes highest and longest flight yet.

Over the course of its first six missions, X-37B spent a total of 3774 days in space, with its last mission in orbit lasting the longest of the six at 908 days. For five of those flights, the plane was launched into space atop Atlas V rockets before continuing in orbit under its own power, and the sixth used one of SpaceXs Falcon 9 rockets.

The upcoming flight, scheduled for 10 December, will launch atop a Falcon Heavy rocket, which is about three times as powerful as the Atlas V and Falcon 9. That, along with a Space Force statement that says that this mission will see the space plane operating in new orbital regimes, indicates that this may be the highest and longest flight of X-37B so far.

The exact orbital parameters of previous missions havent been disclosed by the US government. Historically each X-37B mission has expanded the flight envelope of the vehicle, says Laura McAndrews, a representative for the US Air Force. It is safe to expect this mission to do the same.

Each of the previous missions has remained in low Earth orbit, generally defined as less than 1000 kilometres above the surface, but Falcon Heavy is capable of carrying spacecraft far beyond that, to the farthest reaches of the solar system. The Air Force declined to give any specific information about the planned orbit of the mission, and SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.

The mission is planned to carry several scientific experiments, both classified and unclassified. The less-secretive experiments include testing the effects of space radiation on various materials and seeds: X-36B Mission 7 will build upon previous NASA long-duration human spaceflight experiments to assess the impact of the space environment on plant seeds, says McAndrews.

The experiments more shrouded in mystery include what the Space Force referred to in its statement as experimenting with space domain awareness technologies. Space domain awareness typically involves monitoring satellites and orbital craft to make sure they dont crash into one another or Earth, but it isnt clear exactly what technologies this mission will be testing.

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Space Force's secretive space plane is making its highest flight yet - New Scientist

SpaceX set to launch USSF-52 mission with space plane – News 13 Orlando

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SpaceX in partnership with Space Systems Command is set to send up the USSF-52 mission with a space plane on Monday night.

SpaceXs Falcon Heavy rocket is set to launch from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, with the 10-minute launch window opening at 8:14 p.m. ET, confirmed both SpaceX and Space Systems Command (SSC) in a press release.

The launch was set for Sunday night at the same time, but it was pushed back to the following day. On Saturday, SpaceX posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the weather conditions were only 40% favorable.

But on Sunday morning, SpaceX posted that the forecast condition improved to 70% while the 45th Weather Squadron gave a 75% of good liftoff conditions. The only main concern is liftoff winds, stated the squadron.

If the launch does not happen on Monday night, the next chance will be Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the same launch window, SpaceX stated.

The Falcon Heavy has three Falcon 9 boosters. After the stage separation, the two side boosters are expected to land SpaceXs landing zones 1 and 2 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as sonic booms are expected to be heard.

The Falcon Heavys core booster B1084 (the center booster) is going to be jettisoned into the Atlantic Ocean. This will be its first mission.

The two side boosters, B1064 and B1065, already have four successful missions on their resume:

The USSF-52 will send up the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, a seventh mission for the Boeing-made space plane.

Onboard the unmanned space plane, also known as OTV-7, will be a series of top secret experiments, with the U.S. Space Force only stating the craft will be doing such tests as operating in new orbital regimes, experimenting with space domain awareness technologies and investigating the radiation effects to NASA materials.

Were nearly complete with the pre-launch work for our next National Security Space launch, which is the third Falcon Heavy used to launch a national security payload, stated Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space and Commander, Space Launch Delta 45, in the press release.

Neither the SSC nor the U.S. Space Force stated how long the X-37B will be in orbit for the USSF-52 mission, but in November 2022 when it came in for its landing of its last mission, it spent 908 days in orbit.

When the X-37B does eventually return to Earth, people can expect to hear a sonic boom.

One-fourth the size of the space shuttle, this Boeing-made craft is designed to operate in low-earth orbit, which is about 150 to 500 miles above the round Earth, described Boeing.

While not stating exactly what the X-37B is made of, Boeing stated the space plane was built using a lighter-composite structure than aluminum.

USSF-52 is carrying the seventh mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle, which is an experimental test program that demonstrates technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Space Force, stated the SSC.

The space planes flight controls and brakes do not use hydraulics, but use electro-mechanical catalysts.

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SpaceX set to launch USSF-52 mission with space plane - News 13 Orlando

SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch of secretive X-37B space plane delayed to Dec. 11 – Space.com

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket is poised to launch the X-37B space plane for the U.S. Space Force on Monday evening (Dec. 11) after a one-day delay due to weather, and you can likely watch the action live.

Liftoff of the Falcon Heavy is scheduled to occur from Launch Complex-39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, during a 10-minute window that opens at 8:14 p.m. EST (0114 GMT Dec. 12). If, as expected, SpaceX webcasts the liftoff, you can watch it live here at Space.com. SpaceX announced its delay of the flight by 24 hours early Sunday.

"Now targeting Monday, December 11 for Falcon Heavys launch of the USSF-52 mission, with weather conditions forecasted to improve to 70% favorable for liftoff on Monday night," SpaceX wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "The team will use the time to complete additional pre-launch check outs."

The upcoming launch will be the seventh launch to date for the reusable X-37B space plane its first-ever ride on a Falcon Heavy, which could have consequences for its coming orbital mission.

Five of the six X-37B launches to date have employed United Launch Alliance Atlas V rockets, with one other using a SpaceX Falcon 9. Falcon Heavy, which utilizes three Falcon 9 boosters as its first stage, outclasses both of those other rockets when it comes to getting mass to orbit. According to a recent Space Force release, some of the objectives of the coming X-37B mission, known as OTV-7 ("Orbital Test Vehicle-7"), include "operating in new orbital regimes," which, given the launch vehicle, may indicate a higher orbit than usual, farther from Earth.

Related: The Space Force's secretive X-37B space plane: 10 surprising facts

The upgrade in launch vehicle may also have to do with mass. The X-37B features a cargo bay to house equipment and experiments, and it could be carrying a secondary mission payload that requires Falcon Heavy's added lift capability.

The uncertainty here is not surprising; most details of X-37B missions are classified. However, USSF-52 does carry at lease one unclassified experiment: NASA's "Seeds-2" project, which will test the effects of radiation and long-duration spaceflight on plant seeds.

Each successive X-37B mission has been longer than its predecessors, with its most recent orbital jaunt lasting 908 days. That mission, called OTV-6, landed in November 2022.

When Falcon Heavy launches on Sunday, it will be the rocket's ninth mission to date. It will also be the fifth flight for the side boosters supporting this particular mission; the duo most recently launched NASA's Psyche probe, in October of this year.

Editor's note: This story was updated on Dec. 10 to reflect SpaceX's one-day delay of the launch of the Falcon Heavy and X-37B.

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SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch of secretive X-37B space plane delayed to Dec. 11 - Space.com

NASA’s IXPE Marks Two Years of Groundbreaking X-ray Astronomy – NASA

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

On Dec. 9, astronomers and physicists will commemorate two years of landmark X-ray science by NASAs IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) mission.

IXPE is the joint NASA-Italian Space Agency mission to study polarized X-ray light. Polarization is a characteristic of light that can help reveal information about where that light came from, such as the geometry and inner workings of the ultra-powerful energy sources from which it emanates.

Launched Dec. 9, 2021, IXPE orbits Earth some 340 miles high, studying X-ray emissions from powerful cosmic phenomena thousands to billions of light-years from Earth, including quasars, blazars, remnants of supernova explosions such as neutron stars, and high-energy particle streams spewing from the vicinity of black holes at nearly the speed of light.

Adding X-ray polarization to our arsenal of radio, infrared, and optical polarization is a game changer, said Alan Marscher, a Boston University astronomer who leads a research group that uses IXPEs findings to analyze supermassive black holes.

Were all familiar with X-rays as a diagnostic medical tool for humans. Here were using them in a different way, but they are again revealing information that is otherwise hidden from us, said Stanford University researcher Josephine Wong, who co-authored findings in October based on IXPE studies of the pulsar wind nebula MSH 15-52, some 16,000 light-years from Earth.

Martin Weisskopf, the astrophysicist who led the development of IXPE and served as its principal investigator until his retirement from NASA in spring 2022, agreed.

Martin Weisskopf

Retired IXPE Principal Investigator

Scientists have long understood, for example, the fundamentals of blazars such as Markarian 501 and Markarian 421. A blazar is a massive black hole feeding off material swirling around it in a disk, creating powerful jets of high-speed cosmic particles which rush away in two directions perpendicular to the disk. But how are those particles accelerated to such high energies? IXPE data published in November 2022 in the journal Nature identified the culprit at Markarian 501 as a shock wave within the jet.

This is a 40-year-old mystery that weve solved, said Yannis Liodakis, a NASA Postdoctoral Program researcher at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. We finally had all of the pieces of the puzzle, and the picture they made was clear.

IXPE also conducted unprecedented studies of three supernova remnants Cassiopeia A, Tycho, and SN 1006 helping scientists further their understanding of the origin and processes of the magnetic fields surrounding these phenomena.

IXPE is even shedding new light on fundamental mechanisms of our own galaxy. According to studies IXPE conducted in early 2022, Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, woke up about 200 years ago to devour gas and other cosmic detritus, triggering an intense, short-lived X-ray flare. By combining data from IXPE, Chandra, and the European Space Agencys XMM-Newton mission, researchers determined the event occurred around the start of the 19th century.

We know change can happen to active galaxies and supermassive black holes on a human timescale, said IXPE project scientist Steve Ehlert at NASA Marshall. IXPE is helping us better understand the timescale on which the black hole at the center of our galaxy is changing. Were eager to observe it further to determine which changes are typical and which are unique.

IXPE has also supported observations of unanticipated cosmic events such as the brightest pulse of intense radiation ever recorded, which abruptly swept through our solar system in October 2022.

The pulse stemmed from a powerful gamma-ray burst likely to occur no more than once in 10,000 years, researchers said. Backing up data from NASAs Fermi Space Telescope and other imagers, IXPE helped determine how the powerful emission was organized and confirmed that Earth imagers viewed the jet almost directly head-on.

Perhaps most exciting to space scientists is how IXPE data is upending conventional wisdom about various classes of high-energy sources.

So many of the polarized X-ray results weve seen over the past two years were a big surprise, tossing theoretical models right out the window, Ehlert said.

Steve Ehlert

IXPE Project Scientist

That excitement continues to build among IXPE partners around the world. In June, the mission was formally extended for 20 months beyond its initial two-year flight, meaning IXPE will continue to observe high-energy X-ray emissions across the cosmos through at least September 2025.

The new year also will mark the start of the IXPE General Observer Program, which invites astrophysicists and other space scientists around the world to propose and take part in studies using the IXPE telescope. Beginning in February 2024, as much as 80% of IXPEs time will be made available to the broader scientific community.

About the IXPE Mission

IXPE is a collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency with partners and science collaborators in 12 countries. IXPE is led by NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center. Ball Aerospace, headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, manages spacecraft operations together with the University of Colorados Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder.

Elizabeth LandauNASA Headquarters elizabeth.r.landau@nasa.gov 202-358-0845

Jonathan Deal NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center 256-544-0034 jonathan.e.deal@nasa.gov

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NASA's IXPE Marks Two Years of Groundbreaking X-ray Astronomy - NASA

ULA’s first mission with its Vulcan rocket may slide to January launch window Spaceflight Now – Spaceflight Now

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

ULAs Vulcan rocket sits at the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) ahead of the start of a wet dress rehearsal tanking test on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. Image: ULA

The debut of United Launch Alliances Vulcan rocket may slip from late December into early January, according to the companys president and CEO, Tory Bruno. In a social media post on Sunday, Bruno said the planned Dec. 24 launch date is likely out.

The statement comes a couple days after the rocket conducted a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR), where the vehicle was fully fueled and went the countdown was to proceed to the final seconds before cutting off. But Bruno said a couple of routine ground issues came up near the end of the test.

Ground teams were targeting a T-0 of 4:30 p.m. EST on Friday. Based on observations of venting during the operation it appeared the countdown reached its final four minutes before an abort occurred. The Vulcan vehicle left the launch pad and returned to the Vertical Integration Facility building at launch complex 41 Saturday afternoon.

Id like a full WDR before our first flight, so [Christmas] Eve is likely out, Bruno said in his post on X. He added that they are working on schedules but Spaceflight Now understands another test has been scheduled for as soon as Tuesday.

The primary payload onboard is Astrobotics Peregrine lunar lander, which will journey to the Moon. If the launch is able to happen during the December launch window (Dec. 24-26), the lander would touch down on the Moons surface at approximately 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 UTC) on Jan. 25, 2024.

Bruno said that the next launch window based on Peregrines needs opens on Jan. 8, 2024 and would likely last for four days. Dan Hendrickson, Astrobotics Vice President of Business Development, told Spaceflight Now back in October that the nominal time from launch to landing is between 30 and 39 days. It was not immediately clear if there is a different transit time for the early January launch window.

Shifting Moon race

With the launch potentially shifting to January, that changes the landscape for Moon-bound missions. Liftoff on Jan. 8 would mean Peregrine would launch just four days before the opening of the launch window for Intuitive Machines Nova-C lander onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agencys (JAXA) Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is also making its way to the Moon and is set to land around 1520 UTC on Jan. 19.

The Pentagon’s X-37B "spycraft" is shrouded in mystery and whispers – Earth.com

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Danzig

The Pentagons X-37B, an unmanned drone, is gearing up for a mission that is set to launch today at 8:14 pm Eastern time. This small spacecraft is less than 30 feet in length and under 10 feet in height. It has a pair of compact wings and a rounded, bulldog-like nose.

Often compared to a miniature space shuttle, the purpose and capabilities of X-37B remain shrouded in mystery. Is it a covert weapon, a stealth technology, or something else? These questions linger as the Pentagon maintains its silence.

For the first time, the X-37B will be launched on SpaceXs powerful Falcon Heavy rocket. This shift to a more potent launcher hints at a potential higher orbit speculation that is supported by recent documents.However, the exact nature and purpose of its higher orbit activities remain undisclosed. SpaceX secured the $130 million contract for this launch back in 2018.

The Pentagon remains tight-lipped about the specific activities of the X-37B in its higher orbit, stating only that the mission involves a wide range of test and experimentation objectives. These include operating in new orbital regimes and experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies.

The focus on space domain awareness hints at the X-37Bs potential role in monitoring satellites and guarding against threats in space a mission that closely aligns with the objectives of the U.S. Space Force.

General Chance Saltzman, the Space Forces chief of space operations, emphasized the increasing threats to U.S. space systems.

Our space systems are threatened by a variety of growing anti satellite capabilities, and the joint force is threatened by increasingly sophisticated adversary space-based systems intended to target the joint force, General Saltzman said in a statement to Congress earlier this year.

One thing that is known about X-37Bs mission is that the vehicle will expose plant seeds to the harsh radiation environment of long-duration spaceflight in an experiment for NASA.

The X-37B, built by Boeing, has previously been used to test cutting-edge technologies like a small solar panel for transforming solar energy into microwaves, a concept that could enable space-to-Earth energy transmission. The spacecraft has also deployed small satellites, but their purposes remain undisclosed.

The U.S. government is in this weird place where they brag publicly about how amazing it is and cutting edge, but will not provide any info about it, said Brian Weeden, the director of program planning at the Secure World Foundation.

Weeden suggests that much of the speculation surrounding the vehicle is likely off-base, with its mystique being its most defining trait. Secure World downplays the likelihood of the X-37B being used as an orbital weapons system for attacking ground targets.

The X-37B is more likely employed for the purposes stated by the Pentagon: testing reusable space launch vehicle technologies and on-orbit testing of new sensor technologies and satellite hardware. This hasnt stopped nations like China from perceiving the X-37B as a symbol of U.S. space militarization.

Chinas own secretive reusable space plane, the Shenlong, has completed two missions, with its latest lasting 276 days in orbit. Like the X-37B, the Shenlong is shrouded in secrecy, with no publicly released photos. This apparent mimicry of the American model suggests Chinas interest in similar space capabilities.

The X-37Bs history spans over a decade in space, with each mission exceeding the duration of the last. Its last flight ended in November 2022 after 908 days in orbit. General David Thompson of the Space Force hinted at exciting plans for the X-37B. He acknowledges its role as a remarkable test bed and experimentation vehicle.

The upcoming Mission 7 of the X-37B, launching on the Falcon Heavy, will include a mixture of innocuous civilian NASA science and military experimentation with space domain awareness. This combination of civilian and military objectives underscores the dual nature of the mission.

The X-37Bs development history is intertwined with NASA, the Air Force, and Boeings Phantom Works. Initially envisioned as a lifeboat for the International Space Station, its design evolved to meet various military and experimental needs. The spacecrafts ability to deploy solar arrays in orbit allows for extended missions, a capability unmatched by the Space Shuttle.

The X-37Bs design suggests potential for covert operations, such as retrieving or inspecting foreign satellites without detection. The U.S. has expressed concerns about similar activities by nations like Russia and China, highlighting the strategic importance of space domain awareness.

In summary, the combination of the X-37B and Falcon Heavy opens up possibilities for high-energy orbits and advanced military capabilities in space. While the specifics of the X-37Bs upcoming mission remain classified, its launch signals the U.S.s intent to maintain dominance in space.

Image Credit: AP / U.S. Air Force

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